Approximately 15 million people in the world take Zumba classes. The craze is on and looks never ending!
Wondering what the fuss is all about?
Well, Zumba is a dance fitness program that incorporates advanced traditional cardio moves to burn calories and make people active.
Zumba moves are pretty simple and are proven effective for weight loss as well. It is easy to learn, fun and exciting.
Zumba was formed by Colombian dancer Alberto “Beto” Perez in the 90s. Aerobics, hip-hop, salsa, samba, soca, lunges, squats, mambo, and merengue are performed to energetic music.
We are here with a few surprising facts about Zumba. Read them here!
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The creation
One fortunate day in the early 90s, Colombian aerobics instructor, Alberto “Beto” Perez forgot to bring his music tapes to his class. As he still had to conduct his class, he went to his car, got his Latin music tapes and played. He started to improvise by mixing Latin moves with aerobics exercises.
It was the first unofficial Zumba class conducted that day. Needless-to-say, it revolutionized the concept of fitness and dance. And ever since the trend has been a go-getter.
He conducted nine to ten classes every week initially and later shifted to Bogota, Colombia where he became a huge success.
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Burns up to 1000 calories
Zumba can burn up to 1000 calories per classes which is usually held for an hour. You can do Zumba once or even twice a day (it all depends on your interest) without getting the feeling that you worked out. It is a fun exercise. Amidst figuring out the steps and moving to the music, you won’t feel the fatigue.
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Two-fold benefits
The benefits of Zumba is two-fold: physical and psychological
Physical – Zumba is a total body workout that is highly effective for weight loss giving you an amazing toned up body.
Psychological – Zumba is a happy drug for the soul. As you commit to the moment, you tend to forget all your stress. It is a tonic for your mental health.
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Types of Zumba
When it comes to Zumba workouts, there’s literally a dance class for everyone. These are few of the most common and popular types of Zumba:
- a) Original Zumba
This one is aimed at anyone and everyone. It involves salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton music for energetic dance moves. It covers intense workout like cardio, muscle conditioning.
- b) Zumba Gold
Designed to suit the younger generation, it is a slight modification to original Zumba. The moves and steps are changed and performed to the sound of Latin music.
- c) Zumbatomic
Zumbatomic is the workout for kids aged between 4 and 12 years.
- d) Aqua Zumba
As the name suggests, Aqua Zumba is performed in the pool and can be practised by people of all ages. The water friction promotes stronger muscles and joints.
- e) Zumba Toning
This one is all about traditional cardio and all the key areas are aimed at. Zumba Toning is a fusion of dance moves and aerobics.
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Health advantages of Zumba
Zumba is a workout technique for the whole body and suits all ages. This great alternative to traditional fitness programs promotes flexibility, boosts endurance, improves confidence, enhances mood, promotes better coordination and provides a positive effect on brains affected by multiple sclerosis.
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Zumba is fun. And the more fun you have while doing it, the more likely you are to want to keep doing it.
Ready to try it? Start at the best Zumba class near you. You will love what it does to your body.